Arshihaty Granite Forest

　　   The Arshihaty Granite Forest Scenic Area is situated in the northeastern part of Hexigten Banner, on the North Mountain, approximately 40 kilometers from Huanggang Peak, the highest peak of the Greater Khingan Mountains. This national AAAA-level scenic spot, named “Arshihaty” in Mongolian, means “majestic rocks.” The area stretches 5.5 kilometers from north to south and 3 kilometers from east to west, covering an area of about 15 square kilometers, with an average altitude of around 1,700 meters.

　　   As the Arshihaty Stone Forest Scenic Area experiences rapid and healthy development, it has earned numerous accolades such as “China’s Outstanding Tourism Destination” and “National Pilot Unit for Ecotourism Service Standardization,” thanks to its outstanding performance across various fields. It has successfully established the tourism brand “Grassland and Water Towns, Northern Stone Forest,” becoming a renowned attraction in Inner Mongolia.

　　   Compared to the Stone Forest in Yunnan, although both are called “stone forests,” their formation processes and shapes differ significantly. The stones in the Yunnan Stone Forest have vertical striations, resembling carvings made by knives or axes, whereas the rocks in the Arshihaty Stone Forest have horizontal layers, stacked like thousand-layer cakes. The Arshihaty Stone Forest is also known as an “ice stone forest,” representing a rare and uniquely shaped landform globally. Its form and origin are distinctive and hold representative significance worldwide.

　　   Looking out over the Arshihaty Stone Forest, you’ll see dense primeval birch forests thriving with foliage. Occasionally, roe deer and other wild animals leisurely roam through them, while the grasslands are dotted with colorful wildflowers, fluttering butterflies, and buzzing bees. These elements lend a touch of warmth and charm to the towering, rugged stone forest. In the distance, on the flat, expansive grasslands, scattered yurts and herds of cattle and sheep appear to float like tiny specks on a sea of green.

　　   The Arshihaty Stone Forest Scenic Area consists of four core scenic zones. The first zone is the largest within the Arshihaty Stone Forest. It encompasses the beauty, spirit, form, and elegance of the stone forest, making it the most representative section. Key sights here include the Moon Castle, Fish Tail Tower, General’s Bed, and Balanced Rock. The second zone features iconic sights such as the Horse Tethering Post and the Three Brothers’ Pledge. The third zone highlights attractions like the Sword Testing Stone and the Kunpeng Resting on the Grassland. With wings spanning nine thousand li, the Kunpeng rests on the grassland and never wishes to leave. The sight of the Kunpeng lying with its head raised, harmonizing with the blue sky and grasslands, creates a picturesque scene.

　　   The Arshihaty Stone Forest Scenic Area lies at the junction of high mountain meadow grasslands and primeval birch forests. The area boasts lush vegetation and abundant plant resources that vary in beauty with the seasons, offering ever-changing landscapes that shift with time. The Arshihaty Stone Forest displays distinct sceneries in all four seasons: in spring, mountain flowers bloom vibrantly amid busy butterflies and bees; in summer, the weather is cool and pleasant, filled with birdsong and floral fragrances; in autumn, maple leaves turn crimson, painting the forests in layers of color; in winter, rolling mountains are draped in silvery white.